Faith Over Fear: Scripture and Quotes to Help
In uncertain times, it’s natural to feel afraid. But as Christians, we’re called to have faith in God, even when things are tough. Scriptures and quotes can help us remember that we’re not alone and that God is with us even in the darkest moments. Here are a few of our favorites to help you embrace Faith over Fear.
Lent 2020 is one for the history books.
It seems to have lasted forever.
We’ve been called to make more sacrifices than planned.
Truly the lent-iest Lent ever for most of us.
And, one underlying phrase I keep mentioning is Faith Over Fear.
It can be easy to just say a few words as if that makes it all better.
The reality is that for many of us anxiety levels are high and not dwindling.
Regular bombardment from the media on the state of our countries feeds into this underlying anxiety.
Even if you are not directly affected by illness or a loss of livelihood, you are hearing about it constantly. And, quite possibly have someone in your network who is.
Now, more than ever, it is time to fully embrace our faith.
What Does It Mean to Embrace Faith Over Fear?
The simplistic view is that we place our trust in God.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1)
That we have faith He will see that our needs are met.
This doesn’t mean that we are bystanders in our lives.
Rather, he expects us to act with prudence.
To use ‘common sense’ in our days, both for actions taken and words spoken.
To follow the prodding of the Holy Spirit.
Recently, I saw this play out with a friend who was undergoing surgery. She has many underlying health issues and getting the green light for the surgery that would improve her mobility was a challenge.
Several of us gathered for dinner the night before. Some were wearing Faith Over Fear t-shirts.
Prior to, during and after the surgery, many of us covered her in prayer. We prayed for the medical personnel involved as well.
I can happily say that she made it through the surgery and is now finishing her healing. More health concerns are there. She’s on medication to sustain her life that is near impossible to afford.
But, embracing the faith over fear mentality has allowed her to receive many blessings.
Scripture Verses To Help Us Embrace Faith Over Fear
There are many verses in The Bible that address fear.
Someone shared that the phrase “Be Not Afraid” is used 366 times in the Catholic Bible. Enough for every day of the year in a leap year.
We are told over and over again to shed our fears.
Trust in God.
Basically, to have faith over fear.
Here are a few verses to help.
“Fear is useless. What is needed is trust.” –Mark 5:36
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1
“Though an army encamp against me, my heart does not fear; Though war be waged against me, even then do I trust.” Psalm 27:3
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22
“Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue…” Isaiah 35:4
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
“Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you, and uphold you with my right hand of justice.” Isaiah 41:10
“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” John 14:27
More Quotes on Fear From the Saints To Inspire
“Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
―
“I plead with you–never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.”
― Pope John Paul II: In My Own Words
“Let nothing disturb you, nothing cause you fear. All things pass; God is unchanging. Patience obtains all. Whoever has God needs nothing else; God alone suffices.” — St. Teresa of Avila
“Stop listening to your fears. God is your guide and your Father, Teacher, and Spouse. Abandon yourself into the divine bosom of His most holy good pleasure. Keep up your spiritual exercises and be faithful in prayer.” — St. Paul of the Cross
“Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall the soul — sin only excepted. . . . When our heart is troubled and disturbed within itself, it loses the strength necessary to maintain the virtues that it had acquired. At the same time, it loses the means to resist the temptations of the enemy, who then uses his utmost efforts to fish, as they say, in troubled waters.” — St. Francis de Sales
“Hold your eyes on God and leave the doing to Him. That is all the doing you have to worry about.” St. Jane Frances de Chantal
Ways I Am Embracing Faith Over Fear
By no means is this an exhaustive list.
Just a quick highlight of things I am doing.
Prayer
Only by totally surrendering my will to God and allowing for His Will to be done can I banish fear.
Through prayer, I can find peace in my day.
The simplest prayer I pull from the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. “Jesus, I trust in You.”
At times, prayer becomes time spent in silence so I can listen to God.
I can seek silence while others sleep.
Or, maybe I can be silent while immersed in nature.
Either way, in the silence we can listen to God.
Removing sources of anxiety
This is not always easy.
I do believe we have a responsibility to be informed of what is happening in our world.
The problem is when we are oversaturated in it all. It can easily take over your days and lead to paralysis.
Sometimes, it is a person in our lives that generates anxiety.
It can be a challenge to separate from family members or close friends. But, there is definitely a need to establish boundaries and expect them to respect them.
I’ve had times when certain topics are just stated as off the table for discussion. If the person won’t stop talking, I have to walk away from the conversation.
Make other choices that help my overall health and wellness.
This includes eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep.
Taking time for physical activity. Even if it is just a short walkabout.
One cornerstone for me has been spending time outside.
Breathing in the fresh air.
Embracing the sunshine.
Stopping to smell the flowers.
How do you approach the ideal of Faith Over Fear?
Is there a particular Scripture or another quote that helps you?
Find more (nonspiritual) ways to reduce stress over at Life Beyond Kids.